Springsteen Rocks
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/27/art.bruce.concert.jpg caption="The Bruce Springsteen concert in Atlanta on Sunday night."]
David Mattingly | BIO
AC360° Correspondent
The first time I heard "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen, I was driving my dad's old Pontiac station wagon down New Jersey's Route 561. It was the most amazing song I had ever heard–the perfect blend of message and raw rock 'n' roll.
The crackling AM signal pounded out the beat through the single mono speaker. I was so moved that I had to pull over. I didn't want to miss a single word.
I didn't know much about 'The Boss' before that moment. But in a three minute record he managed to tell a story of hope, passion and triumph that I would never forget. His music connected with me in a way no other artist's has been able to since.
For three glorious hours last night I became that awe-inspired teenager again. My wife (a Jersey Girl) and I danced until our feet hurt and sang until our voices gave out. Springsteen and his E-Street Band rocked a full house in Atlanta. I came away with my heart pounding, my ears ringing and my mind renewing a vow I made to my wife and myself years ago..."No retreat baby, no surrender."
Bruce (now almost 60) took the stage like someone who still has something to prove. He reminded me (now almost 50) that I still have a lot of things to prove as well. I woke up this morning feeling more passion for life than I have in a long time.. I learned that the New Jersey kid who was stopped dead in his tracks by a song is still alive, still young and still born to run.
Thanks Boss!
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Filed under: David Mattingly • What You Will Be Talking About Today |
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"I woke up this morning feeling more passion for life than I have in a long time.. "
Bruce will do that to you.
Seeing him makes you remember what made you love music to begin with and why live music is still important.
Saw him last week in Boston and I swear he gets better with every show.
I remember when I was in college and working in a restaurant for the summer iof 1984n Detroit. One day my boss comes in and says, I just saw the most phenomenal concert in my life...it was Bruce Springstein who had played a four hour concert. I remember thinking, wow, I really missed something – I have been a true fan since that day!
I hear ya David! I saw him 3 times 30 years ago. He rocks. His first two albums, yes albums, were my favorites. I throw the CD's into the car and the top goes down, or the windows open and I sing along. I was a Philly girl who spent time in Jersey. Those were the days!
I will never forget when I told my newlywed husband I had tickets to six shows in Philly at the Spectrum. I asked him which ones he wanted to keep and which ones he wanted to sell. Needless to say I went to six shows in 1985 and have never looked back. Best show ever was in Miami with Bono as a guest artist. Because the Night. Spent my 23rd anniversary in 2007 in Philly at a Bruce concert.
I was there with you in spirit up in the 215 section!!!...it was awesome and he rocked the house like he was in his 20's. My husband and I (a 40 year old true Jersey girl at heart) vowed to see him again and again, hopefully getting front row seats next time because he is definitely worth it!!
I saw Bruce for about the 20th time and it never gets old. He brings an energy and newness to all his shows. I will keep attending as long as he keeps performing
That's great David! I saw the Boss back in the day and I will say the best 3 hour concert I have ever seen! 🙂
Sounds like a great concert! The Boss is always good but I love how you describe your connection to him – sometimes the artist and the song speaks to something within us and it lingers for years....may the Boss rock on for a lot more years to come!
It was a fantastic song and one I knew and still know every word. I remember driving around after work so I could listen to him on my 8 track. I didn't have an 8 track at home so I drove around Orlando just to listen to him.
I saw Bruce when he stopped by L.A. Nothing short of amazing. He delivers each performance like it's the most important one of his career. And his message and sound is so universal that it transcends any barrier or genre or age group (I'm a 21-year-old female).
Bruce Springsteen is a genius of a songwriter. I love the stories he so passionately sings to us. My favorite is 4th of July, Asbury Park.
His songs have always inspired me with the eagerness to keep following my 'American Dream.'
I follow you on Twitter.
My sentiments exactly!! I'm seeing him for the 3rd time on 5/15. He takes me back to my youth, renews my passion for the present and reignites my hope for the future. And a Springsteen concert is something my 22-year-old daughter and I can enjoy on the same level. What a way to bond!! He is the Boss.